Step into the present
Discover how our rich history meets modern elegance, with the Heritage Rocks twist. Explore our stunning venue and see how we’ve reimagined the manor for unforgettable weddings, corporate events, and all types of celebrations.
Manor By The Lake, originally known as Arle Court, has roots stretching back to the Norman Conquest of 1066. By the mid-19th century, the original Arle Court had fallen into disrepair, and the Butt family, prominent clergy at the time, set out to create something truly spectacular.
Rev. Thomas Walter Packer Butt, known affectionately as ‘Squire’ Butt, commissioned architect Thomas Penson to design a Gothic Revival masterpiece. Built between 1854 and 1858, the Manor was a bold departure from Cheltenham’s traditional Regency style, stirring both admiration and controversy. Its unique, asymmetrical layout, featuring intricate skylights and elongated windows, created a home filled with light and charm.
Surrounded by 75 acres of orchards, gardens, and woodlands, the Manor was more than just a residence; it was a statement of Victorian ambition. Over time, its grounds reduced, but the enchanting lake and picturesque gardens gave rise to the affectionate name Manor By The Lake, cementing its place in local lore.
The Butt Family (1858–1904)
The Manor’s first residents, the Butt family, embraced its grandeur. They lived surrounded by the Cotswold countryside, enjoying its carefully designed gardens and innovative architecture. Their legacy set the tone for the Manor’s reputation as a place of elegance and inspiration.
Herbert Unwin (1904–1935)
Herbert Unwin, a businessman from Derbyshire, brought his own flair to the Manor. He added the clock tower, converted spaces to accommodate the Cotswold Hunt, and made modifications that reflected his practical yet sophisticated taste. The motto he left above the fireplace in the Rock Bar, “Far from Court – Far from Care,” speaks to the peaceful haven he found here.
Sir George Dowty (1935–1995)
A pioneer in aviation hydraulics, Sir George Dowty made the Manor his home and a hub for innovation. During World War II, it even served as a meeting space for government officials and housed a war bunker. However, the Manor’s domed tower was removed to prevent it from being used as a navigational landmark by enemy aircraft.
Sir George also introduced new features, including a cricket pitch perfectly positioned so he could watch matches from his office. Though parts of the estate were repurposed for business, he preserved its historic charm, ensuring its story continued to unfold.
Ealing Studios and David Bill (1995–2013)
The Manor’s grandeur took on a cinematic flair when it became Cheltenham Film Studios. Iconic productions like Cider With Rosie and Butterflies were filmed here. Though the estate underwent significant changes, its timeless elegance endured, ready for its next transformation.
In 2013, the Manor entered its most exciting chapter yet. Under the stewardship of Michael Chittenden and Tammy Madge, the property underwent a loving restoration, reopening in 2014 as Manor By The Lake. Today, it thrives as a luxurious wedding and events venue, seamlessly marrying its historic Gothic Revival charm with modern sophistication.
Every detail, from the hand-carved woodwork of Richard Lockwood Boulton to the stained-glass windows salvaged from the original Arle Court, tells a story. The Rock Bar, once a space for Sir George Dowty’s jazz evenings, now celebrates rock and roll with memorabilia from legends like Elvis Presley and Brian Jones.
Even the gardens, believed to have been influenced by Edward Milner, continue to captivate with their timeless beauty. The Pockett brothers, who once tended these grounds, went on to design some of Melbourne, Australia’s most iconic parks, spreading the Manor’s influence across the globe.
Manor By The Lake stands today as a testament to its rich history and the vision of its many custodians. Whether hosting grand celebrations or intimate gatherings, it invites visitors to create their own memories while honouring the past. A place of beauty, ambition, and endless inspiration, it truly is a storybook setting brought to life.
Discover how our rich history meets modern elegance, with the Heritage Rocks twist. Explore our stunning venue and see how we’ve reimagined the manor for unforgettable weddings, corporate events, and all types of celebrations.
Late Date Alert - We have Saturday 8th February 2025 available for the wedding of your dreams!
